DUMAGUETE CITY – Since October of the previous year, Mt. Kanlaon has experienced more than 100 minor eruptions, characterized by ash emissions, as reported by Mariton Bornas, head of the Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). Bornas disclosed that there have been 117 such events since October 19. She explained that in the field of volcanology, these ash emissions are categorized as minor eruptions because they involve the expulsion of volcanic materials from the volcano’s crater. If the activity at Mt. Kanlaon escalates, it could be classified as a prolonged eruptive sequence that started on June 3, potentially involving various eruptive stages. These stages could include lava flows, lava fountaining, or even a catastrophic explosive eruption. Unlike Mayon Volcano, which erupted significantly within two weeks of showing initial signs of activity, Mt. Kanlaon has been showing prolonged unrest, hinting at a possible major eruption for almost two years, according to Bornas. Although these minor eruptions are indicators of a forthcoming larger eruption, the exact timing and characteristics of such an event remain uncertain. Phivolcs is maintaining vigilant surveillance of the volcano. On Thursday, footage from the Negros Oriental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office showed Mt. Kanlaon emitting ash around 9 a.m.
